Aviation 72 1:72 Folland Gnat Diecast Model Airplane AV-72-22-001 The Folland Gnat was a small,  swept-wing British subsonic jet trainer & light fighter aircraft developed for the Royal Air Force,  & flown extensively by the Indian Air Force. It was designed by W.E.W. Petter,  & first flew in 1955. 
 Although RAF interest waned in its possible use as a fighter,  the Gnat was modified to meet the 1957 Trainer 
 Specification T.185D that called for an advanced two-seat trainer that could transition pilots between the current DH Vampire T 11 & operational fighters such as the English Electric Lightning. After review of Folland's proposals,  an initial contract for 14 modified Gnat trainers was issued in 7 January 1958. The Folland Fo.144 Gnat Trainer served in the RAF with the designation Gnat T Mk 1. It was notable as the demonstration aircraft of the Red Arrows aerobatic display team between 1964,  when the team was formed,  & 1979,  when it was replaced by the Hawk.
 When the RAF sold off its Gnats,  many were bought by private collectors & some subsequently appeared in the 1991 comedy film Hot Shots!